DNR News Release

[Lee Borgersen]

  DNR News Release

 
 
  ...For Immediate Release: Visitors are advised to check the DNR's webpage on current conditions and closures before heading out to recreate.

April 11, 2020
 
    ......
DNR temporarily closes Grand Portage State Park amidst COVID-19 pandemic
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has temporarily closed Grand Portage State Park along the Canadian Border on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

The DNR took the action at the request of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The Band requested that the DNR close the park to the public due to concerns about health risks posed by COVID-19 and non-essential travel to the Park.

The Park is located entirely within the territorial boundaries of the Grand Portage Reservation and is situated on land owned by the Band and leased to the State. Minnesota Laws explicitly established the Park to be a cooperative venture between the DNR and the Band

Under Governor Walz's Stay at Home Order, the public is advised to recreate close to home. Relatively few people who are not members of the Grand Portage Band live close to Grand Portage State Park, so its closure will not eliminate a significant close-to-home recreational opportunity.  Closure of the Park includes closure of the associated rest area and Welcome Center.


 
 

[dutchboy]

We have to wonder if the President will get around to closing the National Parks also as we head into summer. VNP could very well get closed if Canada becomes concerned enough to say something. Shared waters you know.

I can only imagine the concern all along the border that those tourism dollars that pour into Canada every summer are going to be lost. It will have a huge effect on places like International Falls to as far South as Virginia. The Hwy 53 corridor is heavily used in the summer.

[Gunner55]

Wisconsin closed all their state parks, many had reported record crowds lately, on Thursday too. That same day NJ announced they were closing all their state & county parks as well. I mentioned then that I would not be surprised if the Covid 19 situation hasn't improved by 5/4 to see Walz close the state parks in Mn too. They are all packed on Memorial Day.

[Jerkbiat]

Yep. I can see that idiot doing that too.

[Bobberineyes]

We stop at some parks now and then,  but what I'm concerned about is a body of water that falls in a park that we dump a small boat in and fish. Its no where near the park area but still its in the park boundaries.  Spose that'll be off limits as well..

[delcecchi]

We have to wonder if the President will get around to closing the National Parks also as we head into summer. VNP could very well get closed if Canada becomes concerned enough to say something. Shared waters you know.

I can only imagine the concern all along the border that those tourism dollars that pour into Canada every summer are going to be lost. It will have a huge effect on places like International Falls to as far South as Virginia. The Hwy 53 corridor is heavily used in the summer.

I think Canadian Border is closed until further notice already.   

[Dotch]

Yes it is. Have been in contact w/some Canadian friends and they're wondering when we'll get to see each other again. Still a bunch of snow back in the woods where we go last week. Also wondering about places like The Border Bar in I Falls. Luckily they make pizza. Online anyway it looks like they're still operating. Hope so. Going across wouldn't be the same w/o a stop there for a stickman pizza & a pitcher of amber bock. 

[mike89]

Grand Portage is closed to the public I just read...  didn't know that was indian owned!!